Job Description

Posting number: 194836

Department: Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Division: Columbia Area Mental Health Center

Job classification: Mental Health Professional I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Community Services, Mental Health, Community Development, Community and Social Services

Summary

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking a Mental Health Professional I who is motivated to help individuals and families navigate life's challenges and achieve long-term wellness. If you want to use your skills to build a healthier, more resilient community, we encourage you to apply.

This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health, Columbia Area Mental Health Center, 2715 Colonial Dr #100, Columbia, SC 29203.

As the Mental Health Professional I, you will serve on the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team delivering intensive, mobile, and evidence-based services directly in the community to foster recovery and stabilization for individuals with mental illness.

Responsibilities for the Mental Health Professional I:

• Provide direct, recovery-oriented care to ACT beneficiaries by teaching evidence-based coping strategies and facilitating independent living skills training to promote long-term mental health stability.
• Utilize assertive engagement strategies to build rapport and actively connect with hard-to-reach beneficiaries.
• Facilitate the person-centered planning process for beneficiaries assigned.
• Assist beneficiary with access to community services, resources, and agencies and establishing support networks in the community.
• Complete screenings and comprehensive assessments for new referrals and assist with development and revisions of instructional continuity plans.
• Provide family psychoeducation and work with beneficiary's natural support.
• Participate in clinical supervision, treatment team meetings, pursue professional development, demonstrate effective use of social and interpersonal knowledge and skills, and demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of individual and group differences and similarities.
• Attend team meetings daily and provide consultation regarding complex cases as appropriate.
• Maintain active certifications in evidence-based practices.
• Completes documentation according to QA/OMH standards, comply with corporate compliance policy and risk management policy, and ensure timely completion of prior authorizations.

Examples of duties

• A master’s degree in guidance, counseling, the social sciences or a related field.
• Licensed as an LISW, LLISW-CP, LMFT, or LPC in the state of South Carolina.
• A master's degree from an accredited college or university in a program that is primarily psychological in nature.
• One (1) year of professional experience working with adults who have a serious mental illness with experience within a South Carolina state agency.

In order to be credentialed for core services as a Mental Health Professional at the SC Office of Mental Health, applicants must provide evidence of clinical experience providing direct patient care. This experience may be documented as a practicum or internship during graduate program, or post-graduate clinical experience. Please be sure to provide specific clinical activities on your application and/or resume.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 5 pounds and maintain a valid driver’s license to operate a state vehicle.
• Ability to work in an essential-personnel capacity, including call-backs during crises, natural disasters, or emergencies.
• Ability to actively participate as a core member of the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to deliver care across various community settings and patient's homes.

Qualifications

• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Supplemental information

Post hire, employees must:

• Advanced understanding of counseling principles, diagnostic methods, and evidence-based treatment practices for mental health disorders and behavioral challenges.
• Deep knowledge of psychopathology, family systems, group dynamics, and specialized psychological conditions.
• Strong active listening skills paired with the ability to articulate complex information clearly and compassionately to individuals.
• Proven ability to prepare and deliver comprehensive, clear, and structured oral and written reports.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for full-time (FTE) employees:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
• State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
• State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.